Fantasy managers are continuing to try and tread water in their leagues with COVID-19 ruling out a lot of key players on a seemingly daily basis. As we try to look beyond the mess, some questions were submitted this week that, mercifully, were not COVID related. Let's get down to business and try to provide some answers.
Can DeMar DeRozan keep it up with the Bulls? He has just been a beast. The Bulls have so many options, and it makes me wonder if he can continue to be relied on. - @FlattMitchell
There were many who questioned the move when the Bulls brought in DeRozan. The Bulls executed a sign-and-trade to bring him to Chicago, sending Thaddeus Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, a protected first-round pick and two second-round picks to the Spurs. The Bulls then gave DeRozan a boatload of cash, signing him to a three-year, $81.9 million contract.
The money was the biggest concern of that deal given that DeRozan is 32 years old and isn't a great three-point shooter, flying in the face of the league's current style of play. However, his mid-range game might have actually been a perfect fit for the Bulls, who have Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball who can operate behind the arc. Even center Nikola Vucevic is an excellent three-point shooter for his size.
DeRozan has used his stellar mid-range game to average 26.8 points per game and shooting 50.4 percent from the field. Even with so many talented options around
Fantasy managers are continuing to try and tread water in their leagues with COVID-19 ruling out a lot of key players on a seemingly daily basis. As we try to look beyond the mess, some questions were submitted this week that, mercifully, were not COVID related. Let's get down to business and try to provide some answers.
Can DeMar DeRozan keep it up with the Bulls? He has just been a beast. The Bulls have so many options, and it makes me wonder if he can continue to be relied on. - @FlattMitchell
There were many who questioned the move when the Bulls brought in DeRozan. The Bulls executed a sign-and-trade to bring him to Chicago, sending Thaddeus Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, a protected first-round pick and two second-round picks to the Spurs. The Bulls then gave DeRozan a boatload of cash, signing him to a three-year, $81.9 million contract.
The money was the biggest concern of that deal given that DeRozan is 32 years old and isn't a great three-point shooter, flying in the face of the league's current style of play. However, his mid-range game might have actually been a perfect fit for the Bulls, who have Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball who can operate behind the arc. Even center Nikola Vucevic is an excellent three-point shooter for his size.
DeRozan has used his stellar mid-range game to average 26.8 points per game and shooting 50.4 percent from the field. Even with so many talented options around him, he leads the team with a 30.5 percent usage rate.
There is no reason to think that DeRozan is going to regress in any significant way. Vucevic has been the player to take a step back in the scoring department, seeing his usage rate drop to 23.4 percent. The Bulls have been successful with DeRozan and LaVine leading their scoring attack, so there's no need for them to change things up anytime soon.
Are there any players who might be worth stashing now with the trade deadline approaching in February, whether they are dealt to a new team or have playing time freed up by a player being traded away? - @DaglesBagels
I'll start off by saying, right now, it's difficult to stash anyone with how many players are out because of COVID. However, this is an important strategy to consider if your roster does have a free spot or if your situation improves over the next few weeks.
I'd love to see the Hawks move Cam Reddish, who has shown what he can do with added playing time during their recent COVID outbreak. However, I don't think he's dealt this season.
The Kings have been actively shopping Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III, who could both benefit from a change of scenery. Bagley is already starting to play more for the Kings, so he might be someone to add who could provide some help now, and possibly a lot more if he's dealt to a better situation. Davion Mitchell would likely benefit if Hield were traded away, making him a potential stash candidate, as well.
Another player to keep an eye on is Thaddeus Young. When the Spurs have been healthy this season, he's been completely out of their rotation. However, during a seven-game stretch in November in which he averaged 24 minutes per game because of injuries, he averaged 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks. If he were to be dealt to a playoff-caliber team that was committed to playing him more, he could be a viable fantasy option again.
I assume Chris Boucher is a sell high. Would you trade him for Isaiah Stewart? - @WESYAP
It took an outbreak of COVID-19 that eventually robbed the Raptors of their entire starting five to finally give Boucher extended playing time. He's started each of the last seven games, averaging 15.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.7 three-pointers during that stretch. The key is, he averaged 28 minutes, compared to his season average of 17 minutes per game.
Boucher peaked Tuesday against the Sixers, posting 28 points, 19 rebounds, two blocks and five three-pointers across 38 minutes. He shot a sparkling 10-for-14 from the field, including 5-for-7 from behind the arc.
When the Raptors get healthy again, it's going to be difficult for Boucher to consistently log significant minutes. Both Khem Birch and Precious Achiuwa are expected back this weekend, as are OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes. Trading Boucher now is certainly a viable route to take.
As disappointing as Stewart has been, he's at least going to play a significant role for the Pistons, even once Kelly Olynyk (knee) eventually returns. His playing time could even increase over the final couple months of the season as the Pistons tank for better draft positioning. We saw what they did last season with Mason Plumlee, who ended up sitting out 12 of their final 17 games.
Do you have any information on when Kelly Olynyk, Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac will return? - @Flpey
Of this trio, Olynyk seems to be the closest to making a return. On November 11, it was announced that he would miss at least six weeks with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee. It's been seven weeks since then, although we haven't received much in the way of updates on his status. Earlier this week, Dwane Casey said Olynyk has been riding an exercise bike, but it doesn't sound like he's been on the court at practice.
Once he does return, he could immediately step into a significant role with Jerami Grant (thumb) out. The problem is, as mentioned earlier, he could get plenty of rest days down the stretch as the Pistons look to improve their draft positioning.
Fultz went through his first full practice on December 10, which might be a signal that his return isn't too far off in the distance. With that being said, no official timetable has been given for his return. Given his lengthy injury history, expect the Magic to bring him along slowly. When he does finally retake the floor, he'll have to battle with Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris and R.J. Hampton for playing time. That might not leave him with much fantasy appeal.
Updates have been few and far between for Isaac, who hasn't appeared in a game since the 2019-20 season. He's nearly a year-and-a-half removed from surgery on his torn ACL, so the fact that we don't have many positive updates on his rehab is concerning. Even when he does return, he might not play much with Franz Wagner playing well and the big duo of Wendell Carter Jr. and Mo Bamba gelling together nicely. Unless you play in a dynasty league, there's no need to stash either Fultz or Isaac at this time.
